Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings

2 08, 2024

Awesome Dinosaur Drawing Submitted by Aspiring Young Palaeontologist

By Mike|2024-08-02T10:37:12+01:00August 2nd, 2024|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings|0 Comments

Our thanks to Dominic a young and very knowledgeable dinosaur fan who along with his family visited Everything Dinosaur and presented us with a super dinosaur illustration. Dominic decided to give us his Koleken dinosaur drawing. We had met Dominic back in the late spring at a film premiere that Everything Dinosaur had sponsored (Why Dinosaurs?). He impressed us with his fantastic dinosaur knowledge, so much so that he knew more about a recently described dinosaur (Koleken inakayali), than anyone else at the event.

Dominic’s mum explained that he had been working on a drawing of this new dinosaur and, as it was his birthday, he wanted to come and present us with his Koleken dinosaur drawing. It is a wonderful piece of prehistoric art, and we really appreciate the great care and attention to detail shown by this young artist. We were thrilled to receive Dominic’s drawing and we plan to display it prominently at our offices.

The Koleken dinosaur drawing by young Dominic

Mike from Everything Dinosaur holding the Koleken dinosaur drawing presented to team members by Dominic and his family. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Koleken Dinosaur Drawing

Koleken (K. inakayali) was formally described earlier this year (Pol et al). it is an abelisaurid and it shared its Late Cretaceous environment with the much bigger, related Carnotaurus (C. sastrei). The fossil material is associated with the La Colonia Formation of Chubut Province (Argentina). The discovery of Koleken inakayali reinforces the view that abelisaurids were the dominant predatory dinosaurs in Gondwana during the Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Cretaceous.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s recent blog post about Koleken inakayali: A New Abelisaurid from Southern Argentina.

The Koleken is feeding on a saltasauroid titanosaur. We suspect that this is a representation of Titanomachya. Titanomachya (T. gimenezi) is also associated with the Colonia Formation. This dinosaur was also described this year (Pérez-Moreno et al). It was relatively small for a titanosaur. Titanomachya is thought to have measured around six metres in length. Fragmentary remains of another titanosaur have been found in the same area. As yet, these fossils have not been scientifically described or formally studied.

The dinosaur drawing from Dominic. A Koleken feasts on a saltasauroid titanosaur (Titanomachya). Picture credit: Dominic.

Picture credit: Dominic

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are honoured to receive this artwork, from a gifted illustrator. It is lovely to see the passion and creativity of dinosaur fans, young and old, come to life through art.”

Helping to Inspire the Next Generation of Palaeoartists

Team members hope that Dominic’s inspiring illustration will encourage more young artists. The company remains committed to fostering the next generation of palaeontologists, palaeontology enthusiasts, and dinosaur fans like Dominic.

At Everything Dinosaur, our team is dedicated to nurturing the passions of young aspiring palaeontologists and palaeoartists. We believe that encouraging creativity is key to inspiring the next generation of scientific pioneers. Through educational resources, hands-on activities, and personalised feedback, we strive to provide a supportive environment. An environment in which young dinosaur fans can explore their interests and cultivate the skills needed to turn their dreams of becoming a palaeontologist into reality.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Gifts.

12 06, 2024

New “Prehistoric Times” Magazine Reviewed (Issue 149)

By Mike|2024-06-13T18:54:20+01:00June 12th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page, Prehistoric Times|1 Comment

The latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” is brimming over with lots of amazing articles, illustrations and features. This well-respected magazine has a global readership, and it is published quarterly. The two featured prehistoric animals are the Brazilian pterosaur Tapejara and the North American ceratopsian Styracosaurus. Thanks to Phil Hore, for once again producing a couple of informative and most interesting articles. Styracosaurus provides the inspiration for the front cover artwork which was created by Kurt Miller. Palaeontologist Jordan Mallon explores the Styracosaurus specimens in the vertebrate collection of the Canadian Museum of Nature. The genus may have been erected over a hundred years ago, but despite recent centrosaurine discoveries, “spike lizard” continues to amaze and inspire.

The front cover artwork for “Prehistoric Times” issue 149 (Spring 2024).

Poignantly, editor Mike Fredericks includes an image of a Styracosaurus statue made by the artist and sculptor Mike Trcic. We were saddened to hear of his passing and our condolences to his family.

Styracosaurus Artwork in “Prehistoric Times”

There are lots of Styracosaurus illustrations accompanying Phil Hore’s excellent article. Once again, we have been impressed by the reader contributions. Personal favourites include the pair of Styracosaurus fighting by Victoria Grabowski, the black and white drawing of the impressive head crest and nose horn created by Brad McFeeters and the illustration by the magazine’s editor Mike Fredericks. Honourable mentions too for Mike Landry for his CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale inspired Styracosaurus artwork and for Wade Carmen, whose main drawing reminded us of the Papo Styracosaurus figure.

Tracy Lee Ford helps us put skin on the bones of sauropods. In a fascinating article the dermal armour of titanosaurs is explored. In addition, we learn more about dermal spines on diplodocids. On the subject of sauropods and titanosaurs in particular, we note that Randy Knol includes the new CollectA Dreadnoughtus figure in his review of recently introduced figures.

South American Native Ungulates (SANUs)

J. R. Lavas continues his exploration of the artwork produced by the highly influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. In this issue the focus is on South American native ungulates (SANUs). As with the sparassodonts which featured in issue 148, SANUs were not popular subjects with many early 20th century palaeoartists. For example, Burian only produced a few sketches and no formal paintings. The author has used some of his own superb illustrations for the article.

Macrauchenia patachonica illustrated. Picture credit: J. Lavas.

Picture credit: J. Lavas

Burian’s artwork does feature in an article by Rosta Walica covering the three volumes of the “Prehistoric World of Zdeněk Burian”. The article outlines the extensive work involved in compiling this comprehensive trilogy. There are plenty of Burian’s paintings to admire, the authors including several prehistoric mammal illustrations as well as some of Burian’s classic dinosaur artwork.

Pioneering Palaeontologists and Palaeoartists

This year marks the 170th anniversary of the opening of the world’s first dinosaur theme park at Crystal Palace, London. A conservation programme to protect these grade I listed statues is continuing. Slowly but surely these iconic statues are being restored to their former glory. In a piece penned by Victor Monnin, the observations of H. G. Wells on time travel are discussed. Wells wrote the highly influential book “The Time Machine”. It was published in 1895. The article is illustrated with images of H. G. Wells and two prints highlighting the Crystal Palace geological park.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about the restoration of the prehistoric animal statues at Crystal Palace: A Palaeotherium is Welcomed Back.

The magazine features an interview with British palaeontologist Mike Benton and the palaeoartist Bob Nicholls. They have collaborated on a new book that examines dinosaur behaviour. The Mesozoic media section contains several book reviews including another volume by Professor Michael Benton entitled “Extinctions – How Life Survives, Adapts and Evolves”.

Other highlights of issue 149 include an interview with veteran preparator Howell Thomas of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the concluding part of Sean Kotz’s build a Stegosaurus kit.

Congratulations to Chuck Egnaczak, Anders Bang, Matt Finstrom, Chris Alfalo and all the other artwork contributors for Phil Hore’s Tapejara piece and take a look at the comprehensive “Paleonews” section.

For further details about “Prehistoric Times” magazine and to subscribe: “Prehistoric Times” Magazine.

11 06, 2024

A New Achillobator Dinosaur Scale Drawing

By Mike|2024-06-21T08:51:59+01:00June 11th, 2024|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members have created a new Achillobator giganticus scale drawing for use in their free Everything Dinosaur Achillobator fact sheet. The fact sheet is being prepared as the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Achillobator figure is due in stock next month (July 2024). This taxon represents one of the largest dromaeosaurs known to science. Whilst there has been speculation about whether the original fossil material belonged to more than one individual dinosaur, it is likely that the material does represent a single, individual animal.

Size estimates vary, but most palaeontologists suggest a total body length of between five and six metres. It was a robust dromaeosaur estimated to have weighed around three hundred kilograms.

View the Beasts of the Mesozoic range of articulated prehistoric animal figures and models: Beasts of the Mesozoic.

Achillobator Scale Drawing

Achillobator (A. giganticus) was scientifically described in 1999 (Perle et al). Although, the fossils were discovered many years earlier. The fragmentary fossil material associated with this taxon comes from the Upper Cretaceous Bayan Shireh Formation of Mongolia. It is difficult to date the fossil material precisely. However, it is thought that Achillobator lived around 95 to 89 million years ago. Therefore, Achillobator lived during the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian to the Turonian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous).

Everything Dinosaur has produced a scale drawing of the giant dromaeosaurid Achillobator giganticus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that there were two shipments of Beasts of the Mesozoic figures heading to the company’s warehouse. One of these shipments contains the Achillobator figures along with the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Utahraptor figure.

The spokesperson added:

“It seems the design team are aiming to create articulated replicas of some of the largest dromaeosaurids known to science. Both the Achillobator giganticus and the Utahraptor ostrommaysi are on the same shipment. They should be in stock at Everything Dinosaur at the same time.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

26 04, 2024

Favourite Brooke Bond Prehistoric Animal Cards – The Beautiful Polacanthus Artwork

By Mike|2024-04-23T09:00:27+01:00April 26th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members like to reminisce about dinosaur books from their childhood. For example, the other day a team member came across the Brooke Bond Polacanthus card. This dinosaur illustration was part of a series of fifty given away by Brooke Bond in their packets of tea (PG Tips). The card came from a collection introduced in 1972 under the title “Prehistoric Animals”. A book could be purchased that enabled the collector to stick each card into place. The aim was to complete the set before the promotional campaign changed.

Card number 20 from the Brooke Bond picture card series “Prehistoric Animals”. The dinosaur is Polacanthus, and the illustration was by Maurice Wilson. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur has been recently reviewing Polacanthus foxii illustrations as part of their preparations for a YouTube review of the new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus figure. This comprehensive video review has been posted up onto the company’s YouTube channel. The video outlines the story of the research into this remarkable armoured dinosaur. The narrator highlights the details on the model and describes the armour on the figure.

Please subscribe to Everything Dinosaur on YouTube: Dinosaur Model Video Reviews.

The Brooke Bond Polacanthus Card

Early reconstructions gave Polacanthus the narrow skull of a Stegosaurus. The spikes were arranged in pairs along its back and tail. The placement of the dermal armour was probably influenced by Stegosaurus. The Brooke Bond Polacanthus card is number twenty in the series. It reflects perceptions of Polacanthus that prevailed at the time.

All the illustrations were produced by Maurice Wilson, the book for the picture cards was one of a series of promotional offers provided by Brooke Bond. Shoppers purchased tea and the tea packets contained the picture cards. Single packets of tea had one card, whilst larger packs contained several. The Brooke Bond marketing department wanted shoppers to remain loyal to the brand. When the “Prehistoric Animals” collecting book was published it cost five new pence.

Illustrated by Maurice Wilson

The illustrator Maurice Wilson (1914-1987) was a British artist famed for his work depicting nature and natural history. He had a long association with the London Natural History Museum and produced many illustrations for exhibits as well as scientific literature and books. He painted all fifty of the picture cards in the Brooke Bond Prehistoric Animals series.

The discovery of more armoured dinosaur fossils has led to a better understanding of polacanthids. Modern reconstructions of this dinosaur look very different from the illustration commissioned by Brooke Bond.

A new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Polacanthus foxii figure. The dermal armour of this member of the Ankylosauria clade has been carefully reconstructed on the figure. The arrangement of the spikes and bosses is largely speculative. However, the model has been carefully designed to reflect current scientific thinking.

Perhaps another company will take up the mantle and produce collecting cards featuring prehistoric animals. If this series were ever to be devised the Polacanthus illustration would probably closely resemble the CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus foxii figure. The CollectA Polacanthus model is due into Everything Dinosaur shortly.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Scale Models of Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Toys.

21 04, 2024

An Exclusive Dearc sgiathanach Scale Drawing

By Mike|2024-05-06T12:52:58+01:00April 21st, 2024|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page|0 Comments

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have commissioned a scale drawing of the large Middle Jurassic pterosaur Dearc sgiathanach. This pterosaur was formally named and described in 2022 (Jagielska et al). CollectA will introduce a scale model of Dearc this year (2024) and Everything Dinosaur has prepared a fact sheet for this model. The fact sheet will be sent out with purchases of the 1:3 scale replica.

A scale drawing of the large Jurassic pterosaur Dearc sgiathanach commissioned by Everything Dinosaur for a Dearc fact sheet. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of CollectA scale models (CollectA Deluxe) available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Models.

CollectA Dearc sgiathanach Model Measurements

The new CollectA pterosaur model measures approximately thirty-nine centimetres from the tip of its tail vane to the end of the jaw. The head is around eleven and a half centimetres off the ground. In addition, the tallest wing tip is over sixteen centimetres high. The model’s width is approximately thirteen and a half centimetres.

Originally, scheduled for March (2024), a spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated that this figure will be in stock shortly.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models, Toys and Games.

8 04, 2024

A Colourful Stegosaurus at Quince Tree Day Nursery

By Mike|2024-04-10T09:32:36+01:00April 8th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Early Years Foundation Reception, Educational Activities, Main Page, Teaching|0 Comments

At Everything Dinosaur, we get sent lots of pictures, photographs and artwork from dinosaur fans. The budding young palaeontologists at Quince Tree Day Nursery (Essex), created a colourful classroom Stegosaurus and they were eager to show our dinosaur experts their armoured dinosaur illustration. The Stegosaurus seems quite happy in its forest home. As a plant-eater it would certainly have enough food to eat. This Jurassic giant probably spent most of its time eating. A fully-grown Stegosaurus was around nine metres long and it loved its greens. Our dinosaur experts estimate that this herbivore would have eaten around ten kilograms of plants every day!

The children and teachers at Quince Tree Day Nursery in Essex have created a super Stegosaurus. The nursery recently rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted, have placed their Stegosaurus in a forest, We are sure this plant-eater will be happy with so many plants to eat. Picture credit: Quince Tree Day Nursery.

Picture credit: Quince Tree Day Nursery

Dinosaur Artwork on Display at Quince Tree Day Nursery

The children and teachers at the day nursery have added plates to the back of their Stegosaurus. In addition, the dinosaur has plates on his neck and around his head. Quince Tree Day Nursery provides care for children from six weeks to five years of age. The dedicated staff work hard to create a supportive and nurturing environment for the children. Many youngsters obsess on the Dinosauria, and we often amazed by their knowledge when we get to meet them.

A recent Ofsted inspection of Quince Tree Day Nursery (January 2024) rated this nursery as “Outstanding”.

Stegosaurus lived in the Late Jurassic. The world looked very different compared to today. For example, flowering plants had probably not evolved. However, Stegosaurus would have eaten plants that you can still see today, plants like horsetails.

Stegosaurus lived in a world with very few (if any) flowers. It munched on horsetails and other plants. Horsetails (Equisetum) continue to thrive as they are able to grow in areas where other plants would find it difficult to get a foothold. Often regarded as weeds, these tough little plants are essentially living fossils as the earliest examples of the genus Equisetum date from the Early Jurassic of South America. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur congratulated the teachers and children at the nursery for the stunning Stegosaurus artwork.

Our thanks to Rachael for sending into us the delightful photograph.

For a further information on Stegosaurus and free Stegosaurus drawing materials: Contact Everything Dinosaur.

30 03, 2024

CollectA Prehistoric Life Ampelosaurus Features in Science News Story

By Mike|2024-03-27T08:49:08+00:00March 30th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

A new species of Late Jurassic iguanodontian was recently announced. Hesperonyx martinhotomasorum from the Lourinhã Formation of western Portugal demonstrates that this part of Europe was home to a highly diverse dinosaur dominated ecosystem. Everything Dinosaur corresponded with the scientific paper’s lead author Filippo Maria Rotatori (Universidade NOVA de Lisboa) so that we could obtain the media release about this exciting dinosaur discovery. We spotted a CollectA Prehistoric Life Ampelosaurus in one of the photographs submitted.

One of the paper’s co-authors and the supervisor of Filippo, Miguel Moreno-Azanza was photographed with a titanosaur egg fossil and a CollectA Ampelosaurus figure.

Hesperonyx martinhotomasorum paper co-author Miguel Moreno-Azanza, from Zaragoza University

Miguel Moreno-Azanza, from Zaragoza University, co-author of the Hesperonyx scientific paper with a titanosaur egg fossil and an Ampelosaurus model. The CollectA Prehistoric Life Ampelosaurus features in this image. Picture credit: Universidade NOVA de Lisboa.

The CollectA Prehistoric Life Ampelosaurus

Postdoctoral Fellow Miguel Moreno-Azanza is an authority on fossilised eggs and fossil eggshells. A photograph submitted with the Hesperonyx media release includes the CollectA Prehistoric Life Ampelosaurus and a specimen of a titanosaur egg. Team members presume the CollectA model was included in the image to demonstrate what a titanosaur looks like. When visiting preparation laboratories and museums we do tend to see lots of prehistoric animal models including figures from the CollectA Prehistoric Life range.

The CollectA Prehistoric Life Ampelosaurus model was introduced in 2012.

The CollectA Ampelosaurus figure was introduced in 2012. It was designed by Anthony Beeson. This titanosauria sauropod was formally named and described in 1995 (Ampelosaurus atacis). Fossils come from outcrops of the lower levels of the Marnes Rouges Inférieures Formation in the French Pyrenees. Ampelosaurus is estimated to have measured around fourteen to sixteen metres in length. It may have weighed fifteen tonnes. Although much larger than any extant terrestrial animal, Ampelosaurus was relatively small compared to other Late Cretaceous titanosaurs.

During the Late Cretaceous sea levels were extremely high. Much of the European landmass was submerged. Ampelosaurus lived on the Ibero-Armorican island, a large island made up of southern France and the Iberian Peninsula. Ampelosaurus fossil material is associated with the early Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous. It lived approximately 71-70 million years ago. The genus name translates as “vine lizard”. Some of the first fossils to be studied were discovered close to the Blanquette de Limoux vineyard. This part of the French Pyrenees is renowned for its fine sparkling wine.

To view the range of CollectA Prehistoric Life figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

A typical European titanosaur (Ampelosaurus atacis) from the Late Cretaceous. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Spotting the Ampelosaurus Model

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that many academics, palaeontologists and scientists source their models from Everything Dinosaur. Many collect figures including the CollectA Prehistoric Life model range. However, these models are also used in science communication projects.

The spokesperson added:

“When discussing titanosaur eggs and other titanosaur fossil material it is helpful to have a titanosaur dinosaur model on hand. Members of the public can get an impression of what the dinosaur looked like.”

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: The Everything Dinosaur Website.

To read the article about the discovery of the new European iguanodontian dinosaur: A New Iguanodontian Dinosaur from Western Portugal.

What other prehistoric animal models will be spot in future media releases?

17 03, 2024

New Royal Mail Mary Anning Stamps

By Mike|2024-03-21T15:41:21+00:00March 17th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Educational Activities, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

Royal Mail intend to introduce a set of Mary Anning stamps. The set of four stamps feature a portrait of the pioneering palaeontologist and three fossil finds. The stamps have been launched at the same time as a set of prehistoric animal stamps.

The Royal Mail Mary Anning stamps can be purchased individually or as a special presentation set for collectors.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s recent article about the Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps: Royal Mail Introduces Prehistoric Animal Stamps.

Ichthyosaurus communis and Other Significant Fossils

One of the stamps illustrating fossil discoveries features Ichthyosaurus communis. This was the first species within the Ichthyosaurus genus to be erected (De la Beche and Conybeare, 1822).

An Ichthyosaurus model — *The Ichthyosaurus model (Wild Safari Prehistoric World) ready to take its turn on the Everything Dinosaur turntable. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The image (above) shows a typical replica of an ichthyosaur. This marine reptile was a sleek and agile predator with a body shape similar to that of extant dolphins. The dolphin/ichthyosaur body morphology is often cited as an example of convergent evolution.

The model is from the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range.

To view this range: Models of Prehistoric Animals.

From the Lower Jurassic

The stamps feature three prehistoric animals connected to Mary Anning. Ichthyosaurus communis (top) a complete fossilised juvenile, purchased from Mary Anning circa 1835. Dapedium politum a species of ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii) collected by Mary Anning circa 1829 (middle). Plesiosaurus macrocephalus (bottom), a near-complete, articulated juvenile collected by Mary Anning in 1830.

Stamps celebrating the discoveries of Mary Anning. — *The stamps feature three prehistoric animals connected to Mary Anning. Picture credit: Royal Mail.*

A Portrait of Mary Anning

The set of stamps also includes a portrait of Mary Anning. The date of the painting remains unknown, but it has been suggested that it was painted before 1842. It is housed at the Natural History Museum (London). Unfortunately, the name of the artist who created this portrait of Mary in her best clothes was not recorded.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It is wonderful to see Royal Mail recognising the contribution to palaeontology and geology by Mary Anning. We hope these beautiful Mary Anning stamps and the presentation set will spark an interest in the Earth sciences.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

14 03, 2024

New Magazine Front Cover Art

By Mike|2024-05-02T06:00:14+01:00March 14th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page, Prehistoric Times|0 Comments

Our thanks to editor Mike Fredericks who sent to Everything Dinosaur the artwork for the next edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. This quarterly magazine is famed for its beautiful cover art. Many noteworthy palaeoartists have contributed over the years. The front cover artwork for issue 149 is no exception. The illustration featuring Styracosaurus albertensis is stunning!

We look forward to reading about the artist behind this remarkable image when issue 149 arrives.

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks

“Prehistoric Times” Magazine

The spring issue (149) will feature an in-depth interview with palaeontologist Jordan Mallon. Dr Mallon is based at the Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa, Canada). He specialises in studying dinosaur ecology and has been involved in the naming and scientific description of several fossil species, including a horned dinosaur – Spiclypeus shipporum. Although both members of the Ceratopsia clade and contemporary, Styracosaurus and Spiclypeus were not closely related. The centrosaurine Styracosaurus albertensis is known from the Dinosaur Provincial Park Formation of Alberta, (Canada). In contrast, the chasmosaurine Spiclypeus shipporum is known from the Judith River Formation of Montana (United States).

Beasts of the Mesozoic Spiclypeus shipporum. — *A replica of the horned dinosaur named by Mallon et al (2016). The Beasts of the Mesozoic Spiclypeus shipporum in lateral view.*

The model (above) is the articulated Spiclypeus shipporum in the Beasts of the Mesozoic series.

To view the Beasts of the Mesozoic model range: Beasts of the Mesozoic Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Pterosaur Tapejara

The other prehistoric animal to be featured in the spring edition is the pterosaur Tapejara. Readers can expect a comprehensive profile of this Early Cretaceous flying reptile. Tapejara is famed for its huge head crest. We are looking forward to viewing all the reader submitted artwork illustrating this spectacular member of the Pterosauria.

In addition, details will be provided of new books chronicling the life and work of the influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. Issue 149 will also feature the latest instalment of the excellent series penned by Jon Lavas discussing the artwork of Burian. Jon contacted us to let us know that the next instalment covers South American ungulates but Burian did not actually do any formal paintings of these. Instead, Jon has used some of his own illustrations for the article. However, Burian’s artwork will continue in issue 150.

The work of English palaeoartist Bob Nicholls is also featured. Bob illustrated the wonderful “Dinosaur Behavior” which was launched late last year. This excellent dinosaur book was written by Professor Mike Benton (University of Bristol). Published by Princeton University Press “Dinosaur Behavior” is a beautifully illustrated and highly informative guide to the Dinosauria.

"Dinosaur Behavior" front cover. — The front cover of the recently launched dinosaur book “Dinosaur Behavior” by Professor Michael J. Benton and illustrated by Bob Nicholls. It will feature in issue 149 of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Spring Issue of “Prehistoric Times” Coming Soon

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained that they were looking forward to reading the next edition of “Prehistoric Times”.

The spokesperson added:

“This magazine is an institution! It contains well-written articles featuring leading academics and scientists along with fabulous profiles of prehistoric animals and updates on fossil discoveries as well as model collecting. The artwork submitted by readers is amazing!”

To learn more about “Prehistoric Times” magazine and to subscribe: “Prehistoric Times” Magazine.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from May 2020 about the scientific description of Spiclypeus shipporum: New Spiked-shield Horned Dinosaur from Montana.

12 03, 2024

New Royal Mail Prehistoric Animal Stamps

By Mike|2024-03-21T10:02:24+00:00March 12th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Educational Activities, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

A beautiful set of Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps is being introduced. The main set will feature prehistoric animals including Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops and Stegosaurus. A second set of stamps is also going on sale commemorating the life and works of Mary Anning.

Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps (2024). — The eight main stamps feature beautiful illustrations of prehistoric animals by the Exeter-based digital concept illustrator Joshua Dunlop. Six dinosaurs are featured along with a pterosaur (Coloborhynchus) and a plesiosaur (Cryptoclidus). Picture credit: Royal Mail.

Celebrating Two Hundred Years Since the Formal Description of Megalosaurus

2024 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the formal, scientific description of a prehistoric animal that was later to be classified as a dinosaur. The theropod dinosaur Megalosaurus was named and described in 1824 by the Reverend William Buckland who was president of the Geological Society of London. The binomial species name Megalosaurus bucklandii was erected in 1827. This was the first scientific account in the western world of a dinosaur. Megalosaurus features on a pair of stamps along with the roughly contemporaneous marine reptile Cryptoclidus.

Royal Mail Prehistoric Animal Stamps (Megalosaurus and Cryptoclidus). — *The fourth pair of stamps feature a Megalosaurus encountering a plesiosaur (Cryptoclidus) whilst wading through shallow water. Picture credit: Royal Mail.*

Megalosaurus was for a long time a taxonomic waste basket. Theropod fossils from different strata were assigned to this taxon. The only definitive Megalosaurus remains come from Oxfordshire (England).

The PNSO Megalosaurus model. — *A model of Megalosaurus bucklandii. The new for 2023 PNSO Megalosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows a model of Megalosaurus bucklandii from PNSO.

To view the PNSO range of prehistoric animal figures: PNSO Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

Royal Mail Prehistoric Animal Stamps

The eight prehistoric animal stamps were created by Joshua Dunlop, a digital concept artist based in Exeter (Devon). A second set of stamps features a portrait of the pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning. In addition, three stamps have been created that show photographs of fossils associated with Mary Anning and the Lower Jurassic rocks of Lyme Regis.

The list of dinosaurs featured:

Tyrannosaurus
Triceratops
Stegosaurus
Diplodocus
Iguanodon
Megalosaurus

Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps (Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops). — Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus feature on the new for 2024 Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps. Only the genus name for Tyrannosaurus is given on the stamps and in the accompanying Royal Mail press release. We suspect that this is an illustration of Tyrannosaurus rex. Picture credit: Royal Mail.

In Collaboration with the London Natural History Museum

The Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps were created in collaboration with the London Natural History Museum.

Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps (Stegosaurus and Diplodocus). — *Diplodocus and Stegosaurus feature on the Royal Mail £2 stamps. These animals are known from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation of the United States. Picture credit: Royal Mail.*

North American dinosaurs are featured (Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Stegosaurus and Diplodocus). Prehistoric animals known from fossil discoveries from southern England are also included. Each pair of stamps show a similar image but from a different prehistoric animal’s perspective. For example, one pair of stamps depicts a herd of Iguanodon escaping a forest fire whilst a flock of startled pterosaurs (Coloborhynchus) fly overhead.

Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps (Coloborhynchus and Iguanodon). — One of the largest toothed pterosaurs known to science is featured on a stamp (Coloborhynchus). It accompanies an Iguanodon stamp. Both these prehistoric animals are known from the Lower Cretaceous of England. Picture credit: Royal Mail.

Everything Dinosaur Comments

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“These are beautiful stamps. The eight prehistoric animal stamps show four different scenes, and they are designed to be viewed as pairs. For instance, the Tyrannosaurus stamp shows this theropod attacking a Triceratops. In contrast, the Triceratops stamp shows the horned dinosaur fending off a lunge from the Tyrannosaurus.”

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